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Computing & Information Technology

Students will develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the computing sector at Level 4 through seven core units (mandatory) which include one unit assessed by a Pearson-set assignment and one further optional units at Level 4,. The units are:

Core Units:

  • Professional Practice in the Digital Economy
  • Innovation & Digital Transformation
  • Cyber Security
  • Programming
  • Big Data & Visualisation
  • Cloud Fundamentals
  • Software Development Lifecycles
  • Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Intelligent Systems
  • Entry requirements

    GCSE English and maths at grades 4 and above (C or above) and a UCAS Tariff score of 48-64 from a full Level 3 qualification such as BTEC, A Level or an Access to Higher Education Certificate awarded by an approved further education institution in maths, physics, engineering, science, computer science, electronic systems or similar. All students who are non-native English speakers and who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English, must demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to IELTS 5.5; Reading and Writing must be at 5.5 or equivalent. We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications. Mature students with appropriate related industry experience are encouraged to apply.

  • Who is the course for?

    Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications) is structured to give you a thorough understanding of the field of computer science whilst providing you with the opportunity to develop a strong theoretical grounding in Artificial Intelligence with many opportunities to put this into practice. Pearson BTEC Higher Nationals in AI and applications modules allow you to delve deep into the areas of AI applications. It will also provide you with the background knowledge and skills required to become a successful AI professional able to work in a range of exciting roles ranging from big data engineer, AI engineer, IoT Specialist etc.

    Our Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications) will equip you with systematic knowledge and experience of the theory and practice of AI, offering you opportunities to develop analytical and practical transferable skills, as well as an understanding of the changing role of AI in society and relevant social, legal, professional, and ethical responsibilities related to the dangers of AI.

    In addition to the knowledge, understanding and practical skills that underpin the study of the computing sector, Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications) gives students the experience of the breadth and depth of the sector, which will prepare them for further study or training.

  • Study methods
    • 75% classroom-based learning supervised by a tutor
    • 20% work-based learning supervised by a tutor
    • 5% e-Learning supervised by a tutor in real time, guest speakers and field trips (Optional).

      Students will attend college for 15 hours – over three days. Students are expected to complete approximately 22.5 hours per week of independent study (i.e. on research in LRC and completing assignments).
  • How is the course assessed?

    Assessment is through a series of assignments including 95% written assignments, 3% group work, 1% presentations and 1% time-constrained assessments.
    the grades in each subject unit are shown as:

    • pass
    • merit
    • distinction
  • More information

    Please click here for the Course Handbook – containing full course details plus information on:

    • Assessment and grading
    • College rules and resources
    • Student support and representation.

      UCAS code: C4AI

      Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions for our HE students.

      For students to be eligible for funding from Student Finance England, they must be studying on an eligible course at a provider registered with the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS is the new independent regulator for higher education in England and all higher education providers need to register with the OfS for their students to be eligible for student support in the 2024-25 academic year. The OfS has published providers on its Register and HRUC (and HCUC as we were known before Jan 2023) has been registered since 10 December 2018. Please visit www.officeforstudents.org.uk for more information.

      For further information, please contact our Careers Team on 01895 853333 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    The skills offered as part of the Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate can provide graduates with the opportunity to work in many different areas of the computing sector. Previous students have successfully gained employment in the following roles: IT help desk, Systems Engineer, Risk Analyst, Data Analytics, etc.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications), vendor-accredited certification and Professional Body membership, all of which students can build on and allow students to continue their studies to Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications).

    On successful completion of the Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications), students can develop their careers in the computing sector through:

    • Entering employment
    • Continuing existing employment
    • Linking with the appropriate vendor accredited certificates
    • Committing to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    • Progressing to university.

      The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Digital Technologies for England (Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions and Applications) is recognised by higher education providers as meeting admission requirements to many relevant digital technologies courses, for example BSc (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence, BSc (Hons) in Computer Science, etc.

      Details of entry requirements for BTEC Higher National graduates into degree programmes at institutions in the UK and internationally can be found on the Degree Course Finder website (http://degreecoursefinder.pearson.com/) and www.ucas.com (Top-up Computing).
  • Fees

    Home student fee: £6,500

    International student fee: £8,500. There is also a registration fee for international students. This is between £115-25.

    The fees quoted are for one year of study and include tuition, exam fee, materials, ID card (which gives access to the college and facilities e.g. library) and college registration.

    Fees will be no higher than those published, subject to an Access and Participation Plan being approved by the Office for Students.

    Whether you pay a 'home' or 'overseas' fee depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Harrow, Richmond and Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) does not create the criteria for fee status. The fee status criteria is provided in regulations and guidance, published by the government.

    For information on the conditions you need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the 'home' rate for study on a Higher Education (HE) course at Uxbridge College please contact the Careers Team on 01895 853333.

    If you are unsure about your status, please contact the Careers Team at Uxbridge College. The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) also has information about residency for international students.

  • How to apply

    All applications for HND courses are through UCAS (Universities and College Admissions Service). For an application pack, contact UCAS on 01242 227788 or visit www.ucas.com

    For information and advice from the College you can also make an initial application by clicking the Apply Now button. Our Careers Team can provide you with support and advice to help you through the UCAS process.

Course starting Sep 2024

Starts 30 September 2024

Duration 32 Week(s)

Location Uxbridge Campus

Days/Time Monday-Friday
09:00 - 17:00